Understanding Fire Extinguishers and Their Usage

Fire extinguishers are vital safety devices, designed to combat different classes of fires using various extinguishing agents tailored to specific fire types.

There are five main types: Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2, and Wet Chemical. Each is coded with a color and symbol for the fire classes it's suited to extinguish.

Fire needs heat, fuel, and oxygen to continue burning. Extinguishers work by removing one or more of these elements, effectively smothering the fire.

Beyond traditional agents, newer technologies use materials like liquid nitrogen or sound waves to disrupt fires, offering non-toxic and residue-free alternatives.

Using an extinguisher involves a four-step process known as PASS: Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.

Did you know? Ancient Romans used vinegar-soaked cloths to smother fires, a precursor to modern extinguishers!